Preview: Argentina vs Switzerland | Latest news, line-ups, absences (12/07/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Argentina vs Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals
Argentina and Switzerland are set to meet in Kansas City in the early hours of Sunday morning UK time, July 12, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.
The reigning champions booked their quarter-final spot by defeating Egypt 3-2 in a controversial Round of 16 contest, where the African side felt aggrieved at for the disallowall of a goal that would’ve put them two goals ahead, before eventually managing to do so.
Lionel Scaloni‘s side were pushed harder than expected but again showed their attacking quality, with Lionel Messi orchestrating much of Argentina’s play. Despite missing a penalty, the great man scored the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez assisted Enzo Fernández for a dramatic injury-time winner.
Switzerland took a similarly nerve-wracking route to the last eight. Murat Yakin‘s team played out a goalless draw with Colombia before prevailing 4-3 on penalties, with Gregor Kobel making crucial saves in both the match and the shootout. The Swiss have now kept consecutive knockout clean sheets and remain one of the most difficult teams to break down in the competition.
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Argentina have looked dangerous throughout the tournament, scoring freely but occasionally leaving space in transition. Their 3-2 win over Egypt exposed some defensive frailties, yet it also highlighted the fight of the squad. Leandro Paredes‘ addition in the midfield was key, stepping up in both halves of the pitch against Egypt, in a perfect demonstration of Argentina’s depth and determination.
Switzerland arrive with enormous confidence after eliminating Colombia. Yakin’s side have built their campaign on organisation, work rate and defensive discipline, conceding very few clear-cut chances. Dan Ndoye of Nottingham Forest remains their most direct attacking threat, while Granit Xhaka has once again been the heartbeat of the team, although the Sunderland will have to be careful as he is one yellow card away from missing a potential semi-final.
Argentina
Scaloni is expected to keep faith with the core of the side that beat Egypt. Emiliano Martínez will continue in goal behind Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez, although Scaloni appears unsure of his preferred full-back combo. Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister are likely to start in midfield alongside Rodrigo De Paul, with Messi operating behind either Álvarez or Lautaro. Argentina have no major new injury concerns ahead of this quarter-final.
Switzerland
Yakin is also unlikely to make significant changes after the penalty shootout victory over Colombia. Kobel will certainly start in goal, with Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi anchoring the defence. Xhaka and Remo Freuler remain the experienced midfield pairing, while Ndoye, Ruben Vargas and Zeki Amdouni are among his forward options.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
Argentina have generally enjoyed the better of this fixture historically, although Switzerland pushed them all the way in their most famous meeting.
The nations met in the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup, when Ángel Di María scored in extra time from a Messi assist to give Argentina a dramatic 1-0 victory. Switzerland have not beaten Argentina since 1980.
Past meetings:
- 01/07/2014: Argentina 1-0 Switzerland (FIFA World Cup)
- 29/02/2012: Switzerland 1-3 Argentina (International friendly)
- 12/11/1980: Switzerland 2-1 Argentina (International friendly)
- 24/06/1966: Argentina 2-0 Switzerland (FIFA World Cup)
Predicted line-ups
Argentina are expected to stick with the side that edged past Egypt, while Switzerland should reward the team that eliminated Colombia with minimal changes.
Tactical analysis: Can Switzerland frustrate the world champions?
Switzerland will not be afraid to defend deep and stay compact. Yakin’s side are excellent at closing central spaces, and Akanji’s ability to step out from the back allows the Swiss to remain organised even when pressed for long periods.
Argentina, however, possess far more attacking variety than Colombia. Messi will drift into pockets between the lines, Álvarez or Lautaro will constantly run behind the defence. The key question is whether Switzerland can prevent Argentina from creating overloads around the penalty area.
The midfield battle could be decisive. Xhaka and Freuler have the experience to slow the game down and disrupt Argentina’s rhythm, but if Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister are allowed to dictate possession, the reigning champions should eventually create enough chances to break through, as they have demonstrated so many times before.
Key players to watch
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi remains the player who changes everything for Argentina. His vision, close control and ability to produce decisive moments were evident again against Egypt, and Switzerland will likely devote significant attention to limiting his influence between the lines. Messi to score or assist continues to be one of the standout player markets in this tournament, although Messi first goalscorer odds vs Switzerland look like better value.
Granit Xhaka (Switzerland)
Xhaka has been outstanding throughout Switzerland’s run. The experienced midfielder controls the tempo, protects the defence and delivers quality from set pieces. But the former Arsenal man will have his work cut out for him against an all-action Argentina side.
There are two interesting bets on Xhaka: Firstly, Switzerland’s clear chances may be limited, leading to Xhaka attempting a long shot from time to time: Xhaka shot on target represents good value. Secondly, Xhaka is known for getting stuck into challenges – he picked up a yellow for a crunching tackle against Colombia and one more against Argentina would rule him out of the next game, so Xhaka to be shown a yellow card looks a tasty option too.
Where to watch Argentina vs Switzerland in the UK and Ireland
Argentina vs Switzerland kicks off at 02:00 BST on Sunday, July 12 at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live ITV1, and available for streaming on ITVX.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTÉ and RTÉ Player.
Argentina vs Switzerland prediction and betting tips
Argentina are clear favourites to reach the semi-finals. Current World Cup betting markets imply roughly a 65% chance of an Argentina win inside 90 minutes, compared with around 14% for Switzerland, while the draw is priced near 21%.
The odds on Argentina getting a penalty against Switzerland is also looked up favourably option among World Cup betting experts.
Switzerland have already shown against Colombia that they can survive long periods without the ball and remain dangerous on the counter-attack. Their defensive structure should make life uncomfortable for Argentina, but the world champions have more individual quality, greater attacking depth and a proven ability to deliver in knockout football. Expect a competitive contest, though Messi and company look well placed to edge through to the semi-finals.
